Arabesk

NSW

Arabesk

World Music available for hire, based in New South Wales

Arabesk is a wonderfully cultured group consisting of percussion, guitar, violin/viola and double bass. Their collection involves a versatile, mix of music inspired by Turkish folk music, African and Middle Eastern music. Their cool, sensual vibes will give any event a great feel as their music takes your guests on a wild journey from Turkey to Africa to Eastern Europe.

Calvin Welch - International Renowned Drummer / Percussionist

Michigan, USA born

Has been playing drums since the early 70’s. Toured USA & Europe in the 70’s with the likes of Sonny Stitt, Eddie Russ, Bob Crawfords Jazz Masters, The Patterns, Grant Green.

Played drum kit from early teens. Studied tabla in New Delhi for eight years, with his Guru Shree Gladwin Charles, studying in the traditional Gurakal (teacher/student) and began a new found love affair with Hindustani Classical Music. During this time he performed with local world ensembles NAC (New Acoustic Collective), Trio Roshani, Ju Ju (Melbourne based Indo Fusion band), Heval (Sydney based Kurdish Indo fusion). Rob plays various styles of Jazz, focusing on the music of Django Reinhardt, leading his band The Straight Back Fellows for 4 years. This band housed some of the great Australian Jazz players, George Washingmachine, Ben Jones, John Morrison, Brad Childs, John Blenkhorn, Nigel and Ian Date, to name but a few.

Veren Grigorov - Viola / Violin

Bulgarian born.

From a musical family, Veren has played the violin from a very early age.

He studied at the Conservatorium of Music in Sydney, and various music schools in Europe. Since arriving in the early 80’s, from Bulgaria, Veren has toured with the chamber orchestras, played with INXS and composed as well as performed music for productions such as The Golem (Director Barrie Kosky), King Lear (Sydney Theatre Company) and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (director Baz Luhrmann). Played with Sydney based band Four Play and has written music for TV programmes, and commercials.

James Haselwood - Double Bass

New England NSW born.

The youngest of the crew, has spent most of his performing years, playing electric bass and has a natural talent for double bass. Having completed his Bachelor of Contemporary Music, at Southern Cross University in Lismore James played with Panjea an afro funk band from USA/Zimbabwe touring around Australia, then to New Mexico for NYE festivities. Returning to play Steve Edmonds band, The Disassociatives, Harry Manx, Paul Mac, Professor Groove, Darren Paul, Abby Dobson, Jade Macrae, Jenny Morris, Tania Bowra, The Ratpack, Lilly Dior, Virna Sanzone, Velvet Fog, Natalie Imbruglia and Alex Lloyd.

July 2006 - Media Review

A night of passion, flair and beautiful music.

"The eclectic energy of Arabesk takes you on a mesmerising journey through the back streets of Eastern Europe, Africa and ending in the Bazaars of Turkey. The music has a life of it’s own, highly original, but somehow it seems so familiar, as it draws upon the rich, deep cultural veins, from Eastern Europe, Africa to Turkey. Their performances are packed with raw energy and humour. It has been described as one of those rare groups that effortlessly speak through their instruments, engaging the audience and allowing them to step into another world."

"A black American, a Bulgarian and two country boys walk into a bar…"ABC Radio, 17/11/2006